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The zoo's veterinary personnel believe the cause of death was pneumonia, but an official autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of the death.

Mahal arrived at the zoo in 2007 after his mother in Colorado rejected him.

"Mahal was one of our most popular animals, and even you've seen him act up and really was entertaining as well as an intelligent animal and has brought us a lot of fame, and we're just really sorry to see that happen to him," zoo director Charles Wikenhauser said.

In the coming days, the zoo will determine a special way for the public to commemorate Mahal.